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Facebook Announces New Audio Tools, Including a Clubhouse Competitor

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They’ve been in the works for a little while, but now Facebook has made it official, with the announcement of a range of new audio social options across its apps as it seeks to tap into the Clubhouse-led trend. Facebook’s history of replication suggested that it was always going to copy Clubhouse in some way, with the audio meeting app seeing significant usage momentum as people look for ways to replace IRL meet-ups amid the pandemic.

And given Facebook’s massive reach, and established presence in many people’s lives, it could pose the biggest threat to Clubhouse’s growth as yet – especially given the breadth of tools Facebook has announced. First off, in what’s likely the most direct assault on Clubhouse, Facebook is launching an audio-only version of its Rooms feature in Facebook and Messenger, which will enable people to start up audio rooms that their connections can join which will be highlighted at the top of News Feeds and chats within each app.

The new option will have a very Clubhouse-like format, with hosts highlighted at the top of the screen, and listeners tuning in the show. Users will be able to make their rooms public or private, while they’ll also be discoverable in a separate Rooms tab.

Creators will also be able to monetize their Rooms, via Facebook’s Stars donation system, while it’s also working on additional monetization models, “as the ability to charge for access to a Live Audio Room through a single purchase or a subscription”. In addition to this, Facebook says that creators will also be able to turn a live conversation into a podcast for everyone to listen to later, providing more ways to use the content.

Of course, Facebook is not designed around audio connection like Clubhouse is, which may make its audio rooms less engaging. But then again, Facebook does have one specific, directly aligned tool to help boost its audio rooms option – Facebook groups.

As part of the initial rollout of audio rooms, Facebook will test the option in groups, with users able to set up audio rooms within their groups specifically, which could be a great way to spark engagement among like-minded people. And given that groups are used by over 1.8 billion people every month, that could make this a highly valuable add-on, with people now able to drop in and listen to chats among group members on topics they’re already regularly engaging with.

For comparative context, Clubhouse, at last check, has around 2 million active users. If Facebook’s audio rooms catch on in groups, that could mean that a significant chunk of potential Clubhouse users never switch over to the audio app, staying within the groups and tools they know instead.

If there’s any question as to why Facebook is always copying other platforms’ ideas, this alone would be justification enough. Facebook rooms will also initially be made available to public figures, with a broader rollout coming in the summer. In addition to this, Facebook is also launching a new tool called ‘Soundbites’, which will enable users to create short-form audio clips using a range of effects and tools.

The new tool will showcase Facebook’s various advances in audio tech. The option will eventually enable users to post their own audio clips to Facebook, in a whole new format. Utilizing audio clips in this way is not entirely new – Facebook’s actually been testing out audio clips as an update option since 2018, though those tests have primarily focused on the Indian market, and haven’t included these advanced audio filters and tools.

But now, with the rising popularity of audio as a connective option, Facebook’s expanding its audio options, which could help it further align with the social audio shift. Facebook says it will start testing Soundbites over the next few months. Facebook’s also looking to tap into podcasts more specifically, with the launch of new podcast listening and discovery tools in the app.

The option will give Facebook a more specific connection with the evolving podcast space – which somewhat aligns with its investment in newsletters also, ensuring it has a stake in every rising digital connection process. Which is really what this is all about. While some will deride Facebook for copying every emerging digital connection functionality that it can, in an attempt to maintain relevance, when you actually analyze that argument, it makes perfect sense.

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Apple Invites App Simplifies Gathering for Special Occasions

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Apple today introduced Apple Invites, a new app for iPhone that helps users create custom invitations to gather friends and family for any occasion. With Apple Invites, users can create and easily share invitations, RSVP, contribute to Shared Albums, and engage with Apple Music playlists. Starting today, users can download Apple Invites from the App Store, or access it on the web through icloud.com/ae/invites. iCloud+ subscribers can create invitations, and anyone can RSVP, regardless of whether they have an Apple Account or Apple device.

“With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together,” said Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of Worldwide Product Marketing for Apps and iCloud. “Apple Invites brings together capabilities our users already know and love across iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music, making it easy to plan special events.”

To get started with Apple Invites, users can choose an image from their photo library or the app’s gallery of backgrounds — a curated collection of images representing different occasions and event themes. Integrations with Maps and Weather give guests directions to the event and the forecast for that day.

Additionally, participants can easily contribute photos and videos to a dedicated Shared Album within each invite to help preserve memories and relive the event. Collaborative playlists allow Apple Music subscribers to create a curated event soundtrack that guests can access right from Apple Invites.

With Apple Intelligence, creating unique event invitations is easy. Users can tap into the built-in Image Playground experience to produce original images using concepts, descriptions, and people from their photo library. When composing invitations, users can use Writing Tools to help find just the right turn of phrase to meet the moment.

Hosts get full control of their invite experience: They can easily view and manage their events, share invitations with a link, review RSVPs, and choose the details they want included in the preview, like the event background or a home address. Guests can view and respond to an invitation using the new iPhone app or on the web without needing an iCloud+ subscription or an Apple Account. Attendees control how their details show up to others, and have the ability to leave or report an event at any time.

In addition to event creation in Apple Invites, iCloud+ subscribers have access to many more premium features:

  • Expanded storage allows users to keep large libraries of original, high-resolution photos, videos, and files safe in iCloud, and easily accessible across all of their devices and the web.
  • Private Relay keeps browsing in Safari entirely private from network providers, websites, and even Apple.
  • Hide My Email generates unique, random email addresses whenever needed.
  • HomeKit Secure Video allows users to capture and review home security footage in an end-to-end encrypted format.
  • Custom email domains enable users to personalize their iCloud email addresses.
  • Family Sharing allows users to share their iCloud+ subscription with up to five people at no extra cost.

Apple Invites is available today as a free download from the App Store for all iPhone models running iOS 18 or later.

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Elgato Launches Wave Link 2.0

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Elgato has unveiled Wave Link 2.0, the next-generation evolution of its acclaimed audio management software, packed with groundbreaking features and significant quality-of-life upgrades. Designed to address the challenges content creators, streamers, and digital professionals face, Wave Link 2.0 introduces tools like Voice Focus and One-Click Audio Routing, setting a new standard for audio control and customisation.

One of the standout features of Wave Link 2.0 is Voice Focus, a cutting-edge vocal enhancement tool developed in collaboration with ai|coustics. Leveraging advanced machine learning technology, Voice Focus eliminates unwanted background noise, room reverb, and echo while isolating the user’s voice for crystal-clear audio. This tool is a game-changer for creators working in less-than-ideal acoustic environments, delivering professional-grade sound quality in seconds—without the need for complex audio configurations. Whether streaming, podcasting, or participating in virtual meetings, Voice Focus ensures users sound polished and professional, even in spaces with poor acoustics. It’s an ideal solution for those who lack the time or expertise to fine-tune audio settings manually.

Wave Link 2.0 also introduces One-Click Audio Routing, a feature that revolutionises how users manage multiple audio channels. With just a single click, users can assign apps to specific channels, streamlining setup while maintaining flexibility. Additional enhancements like App Grouping, Input Channel Renaming, and Channel Hiding further improve organisation and usability, allowing creators to focus on their content rather than troubleshooting their audio setup.

These updates make Wave Link 2.0 an intuitive and efficient tool for managing complex audio workflows, ensuring a seamless experience for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Wave Link 2.0 doesn’t stop at routing and vocal enhancements—it also offers a suite of professional-grade audio effects. Built-in tools like Compressor, De-Esser, Equaliser, and ReverbFX enable precise audio tuning, while support for third-party VST2, VST3, and AU plugins opens up endless possibilities for sonic customisation.

For creators seeking ready-made solutions, the Elgato Marketplace provides a growing library of digital assets, including presets and tools from top creators like EposVox and Harris Heller. Once effects are applied, the built-in Sound Check tool allows users to preview their settings and make final adjustments, ensuring their audio is polished before going live.

As part of the Elgato ecosystem, Wave Link 2.0 integrates seamlessly with Stream Deck, taking audio control to the next level. Users can export their Wave Link settings to Stream Deck with a single click, transforming the device into a hardware mixer-like interface. This integration eliminates the need to navigate software during critical moments, allowing creators to stay focused on their content and audience.

With its innovative features and user-centric design, Wave Link 2.0 redefines what’s possible in audio management. From Voice Focus’s studio-quality vocal enhancements to One-Click Audio Routing’s streamlined setup, Elgato continues to empower creators and professionals with tools that elevate their craft. Wave Link 2.0 is now available, offering a transformative audio experience for anyone looking to achieve exceptional sound quality with ease. Whether you’re a streamer, podcaster, or digital professional, Wave Link 2.0 is poised to become an essential part of your creative toolkit.

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Meta AI Officially Launches in the MENA Region

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Meta has announced the expansion of its AI assistant, Meta AI, to the Middle East and North Africa, empowering users in the region with a tool to learn, create and connect to the things and people they care about most. The feature is gradually rolling out across the region, with full accessibility already available in key markets including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and Iraq.

Conveniently located across Meta’s family of apps – Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger – Meta AI is easily accessible through its blue circle icon within Meta’s apps and requires no prior registration. It can also be used in group chats by simply typing ‘@Meta AI,’ making it ideal for quick research, brainstorming, and planning with friends. For instance, users planning a spring trip with their families and seeking ideas for island destinations within a maximum six-hour flight from the UAE can simply mention @Meta AI in the group chat, and it will provide a tailored list of suggestions in real time for the group to discuss.

Meta AI is built with state-of-the-art Llama 3.2, Meta’s largest and most capable open-source large language model, and has the capabilities to generate text and create and animate images directly within Meta apps. Users can explore Meta AI’s image-generation Imagine feature by simply typing “Imagine” followed by a detailed description of the image they want to create. For example, typing “Imagine a tiger wearing a vest drinking tea at a café” prompts Meta AI to generate the image in real-time, with the option to animate it. The expansion also introduces support for Arabic, making Meta AI accessible to even more people across the region.

“Meta AI is one of the world’s leading AI assistants already on your phone, in your pocket for free. Combining accessibility with cutting-edge technology, it serves as a gateway to a smarter, more connected life for millions of users in the MENA region. We believe that having a reliable assistant will be one of the defining benefits of this generation of AI. With Meta AI on track to become the most used AI assistant in the world by the end of the year, we’re excited to bring its transformative potential to communities across the region,” says Fares Akkad, Regional Director for Middle East and Africa at Meta.

To celebrate the arrival of Meta AI in the Middle East and North Africa, Meta is launching “Elevating Every Moment”—a content series designed to help users unlock the full potential of Meta AI. Through helpful tips, practical use cases, and deep dives, the series will feature collaborations with regional creators on Instagram. Additionally, Meta will roll out an educational series on its official Meta Arabia page, offering guidance on crafting effective prompts to assist with everyday tasks, whether professional or personal.

“We’re seeing people use Meta AI to dive deep into projects that spark their interest, get help with how-to tasks, and use the assistant for guidance on things like art projects, home decor, outfit inspiration, and more. Image generation has been especially popular and I’m excited to see how people in our region will find new, creative ways to make the most of what AI can offer,” said Akkad.

Meta AI is designed to be intuitive, offering a wealth of opportunities to enhance daily life. Following this gradual rollout, users in the region can look forward to more visionary and advanced multimodal features on the horizon. These include simultaneous dubbing for Reels content, real-life image editing, and the “Imagine Me” feature, which generates personalized portraits that can be edited in real-time. Additionally, Meta AI will soon integrate advanced tools to help users craft captions for their posts, making creativity and connection easier than ever.

Meta AI claims it is on track to become the world’s most-used AI assistant by the end of the year, with nearly 700 million active monthly users and availability in 42 countries and 13 languages.

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